| td> | | | | put their sleeping bag into a stuff sack. We do |
| Yes, there is a correct way to load your | | | | suggest using a compression stuff sack to |
| backpack. Some people try to be more organized | | | | compress the sleeping bag to its smallest size |
| than others, but it is important to make every | | | | possible. |
| inch count. | | | | Next, place your tent body and fly, folding into a |
| Besides having a proper fit, the other key to a | | | | square. It goes close to your back. Above the |
| comfortable trip is the correct loading of your | | | | tent, but no higher than your shoulders, should be |
| pack. Everyone has their own system of loading | | | | your heaviest items: food, fuel, water filter, etc. |
| their pack, there are a few universal guidelines | | | | Next on top of this, but away from your back, |
| about weight and gravity. | | | | should be lighter items, like clothing. Use the side |
| A very well designed camping backpack will keep | | | | mesh pockets for water or fuel bottles, tent |
| the load close to your center of gravity, making it | | | | poles and fly rods. Keep items which you need |
| easier for you to move, change directions, and do | | | | quickly or frequently near access points or outside |
| what you need to do. A properly loaded backpack | | | | pockets. |
| is considerable more comfortable than an | | | | I hope this information will be beneficial to all my |
| improperly packed one. | | | | fellow hiking friends. Remember, correct packing |
| First, start by loosening all the packs compression | | | | of your camping backpacks will provide many |
| straps, and all internal dividers. Then put your | | | | hours of enjoyable and comfortable hiking. |
| sleeping bag in the bottom. Some hikers prefer to | | | | |